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Texas A&M Veterinary Students Go Global at IVSA Symposium

In early January 2017, nine veterinary students represented
Texas A&M University at the 65thInternational
Veterinary Students’ Association (IVSA) Special General Assembly
and Symposium at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North
Carolina. The nine Texas A&M representatives, Branden Nettles,
Laura Hurst, Tony Blanco, Chandani Bahkta, Jillian Athey, Jivanni
Shah, Jannina Saastamoinen, Selina Zalesak, and Taylor Strange,
were among 113 veterinary students from across the globe who
gathered to learn about the IVSA and the opportunities the
organization offers. Travel funding for the Texas A&M students
were provided by several entities including the Texas A&M One
Health Initiative.

“Since the IVSA is an organization of veterinary students from a
diverse array of countries, we discussed veterinary medicine with
colleagues who have had an education different from our own,” the
Texas A&M representatives said of their experience. “With how
globalized our profession is becoming, hearing from colleagues with
these fresh perspectives was one of the best opportunities we were
given. We also had the chance to get a behind the scenes tour of a
sea turtle rescue, explore the North Carolina aquarium, practice
novel technical skills, and have some fun with a trip to a roller
rink. One of the favorite nights of the IVSA event was cultural
night, where students wore outfits from their country and brought
food and drinks to share. This was a unique way to see the
similarities/differences in cultures around the world, and have a
good time with our new friends.”

The IVSA is a non-profit organization led by volunteer
veterinary students from around the world. Their aim is to improve
the standard of veterinary education internationally through the
exchange of ideas, knowledge, and culture; ultimately pursuing
their mission of benefiting the animals and people of the world by
harnessing the potential and dedication of veterinary students to
promote the international application of veterinary skills,
education, and knowledge. Specific IVSA opportunities presented at
the symposium included participating in international student
exchanges, helping to raise funding for veterinary students in low
gross domestic product areas, and making connections from all over
the world.

“The week we spent at the IVSA conference changed our lives,”
the students reflected. ”From creating global connections within
veterinary medicine, to seeing so many different languages popping
up on Facebook, to having a deeper understanding of the world we
live in, IVSA now has a place in all our hearts.”

For more information about the Texas A&M chapter of
IVSA, please visit tx.ag/cWcvqjl.
For more information about the IVSA, please visit tx.ag/Pmoge8E.